The Metal Construction Association (MCA) is embarking on new research projects focusing on roofing and wall metal panels.
“The MCA studies will provide architects, specifiers, and contractors with additional tools, test methods, and information to assist in more effective green, energy efficient, and structurally-sound building designs,” said the group’s technical director, Scott Kriner. “These projects will also provide us with best practices for more precise metal roof and wall panel specifications to meet the unique needs of some projects.”
The first project is being conducted at the University of Florida and will evaluate the air permeability in metal roof panels to measure the level of wind uplift this type of roofing can withstand. It will also evaluate and characterize the performance of discontinuous metal panels, such as modular metal roof panels and snap-together standing-seam roofing. The goal is to develop a test method that will be more realistic in reflecting the wind uplift these systems can withstand. The main test will be UL 1897, Standard for Uplift Test for Roof Covering Systems, in both static and dynamic mode. Wind tunnel testing and variations of existing methods will also be used.
The second project on cool wall panels to reduce energy usage is being funded by a grant awarded to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The research will evaluate the types of wall materials now in the marketplace and in the three climate zones in California because it is important for that state’s cities to reduce building energy usage and help address the urban heat island effect. It will also evaluate the dirt-shedding capability and durability of the wall materials. New technologies for ultra-cool pigmentation are also being investigated as part of the research. This project began in early July with several MCA member manufacturers providing samples of their metal wall materials. The association is also contributing technical expertise and guidance.
The third project on the effect of spray polyurethane foam insulation on metal panels is also being conducted for wall and roof assemblies. It was proposed in conjunction with the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA) and the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA). The main concerns are oil canning and potential damage to paint films due to the exothermic curing of the foam and associated elevated temperatures. Primary research has already been completed to evaluate exothermic curing on metal, so the next phase will be using the full-sized wall and roof assemblies with foam sprayed using different applications.
It is expected the results of the three studies will make a significant impact on the industry and will continue over several years.
